BELFAST — Troy Howard Middle Schoolers are set to miss a fourth day of in-person classes after another cancellation for Friday, Feb. 17, according to RSU 71 Superintendent Mary Alice Maclean. 

The school has only been open once this week. That was today, Thursday, Feb. 16. But, MacLean said that the school will be closed Friday, Feb. 17. 

She released a statement to staff, students, and families Sunday, Feb. 12., stating that due to a high number of COVID-19 cases, the school would be closed Monday, Feb. 13. It remained closed Feb. 14 and 15, and will close once again Friday. 

In lieu of in-person classes, MacLean said students were asked to complete assignments posted in Google Classroom, while teachers who are able will have office hours. 

There were 75 students absent with various illnesses, and 18 staff members tested positive for COVID. The school was able to secure just one substitute teacher during the absences. 

In an email Feb. 16, MacLean said that she hopes, “next week’s February break will enable students and staff to rest, recuperate, and come back strong an in person on Monday, Feb. 27.”

Winter break runs from Feb. 20-24. 

Erica Thoms can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com